• OVC Social Justice Resource Page | #OVCforChange Engagement Series Archive
As part of the
#OVCforChange initiative, OVC student-athletes, coaches and administrators will engage in dialogue to help shape a course of action and invoke change on a variety of social issues impacting their lives.
This week's feature is with Morehead State sophomore pitcher/utility player
Taylor Rhea. A native of New Albany, Ohio, Rhead appeared in 10 games in last year's shortened season, including five starts in right field and one on the mound.
Why is it important to be an advocate for social change/justice?
"Advocacy brings solutions forward. There are a lot of people with good ideas who don’t know how to achieve that idea. When an organization, group, or individual advocates, it creates a space showing that social change is important. When people see that social change is important to that individual, they know they aren’t alone in believing that social change is important, and they are more likely to help advocate, creating a bigger stand to advocate."
What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
"First is to advocate. I think the best way to do so is to educate people. Sometimes, we try and push our opinions on certain things in someone’s face and expect them to agree. Most of the time, those people completely disregard what you are saying based on how it was presented to them."
What should we be doing as a society to combat social inequality?
"Say something. If you see social injustice happening, say something. Don’t be an enabler. Also, stop making things like BLM or ACAB just a trend on social media. If you sit at home and post a BLM picture on your story, but sit back and watch a social injustice or racist act occur, you are part of the problem."
What other emotions would you like to express about the current state of our society?
"Disappointment. It’s disappointing that people of color and women have been fighting for equal rights to our own bodies for decades."